OT Just Got Out of the Hospital

[Lanny]

My brand new catheter got royally infected. Thought I was going to die but pulled through. The whole time I wasn't allowed to see my wife. So she wasn't allowed to even deliver me any food. All I had was the telephone. I had to go through a temper tantrum to get out today.
They had to cut my dialysis short and send me to the Emergency Room. After six hours there and multiple blood tests and maybe a dozen doctors and an MRI they sent me up to an isolated hospital room where I began receiving antibiotics. I'll get antibiotics for another two weeks making three weeks in all. They had to do another surgery to remove my catheter. Seems once infection attaches itself to plastic there's practically nothing to do but remove it and maybe start over.
I'll bet I've seen 20 expert doctors maybe more and all but four surgeons say my catheter must be removed. Now they tell me it's unlikely to implant another which makes me stuck getting hemodialysis for the rest of my life.
I'm not in a very good mood
There is a very small chance that they can try again and they will decide within the next couple of days.
My life sucks and then it gets worse.
I just thought I'd cheer you up with the good news.

 

[Natebishop3]

Sorry Lanny. COVID protocols suck man. I hope you feel better.

 

[theprunetang]

I am sorry to hear. That sounds utterly deflating mentally. You must have a very strong will to come on here and talk with us troglodytes. I am sending you my best thoughts. And hope to hear some updates whenever you have the energy for it. Keep being a badass.

 

[Phatguysrule]

My brand new catheter got royally infected. Thought I was going to die but pulled through. The whole time I wasn't allowed to see my wife. So she wasn't allowed to even deliver me any food. All I had was the telephone. I had to go through a temper tantrum to get out today.
They had to cut my dialysis short and send me to the Emergency Room. After six hours there and multiple blood tests and maybe a dozen doctors and an MRI they sent me up to an isolated hospital room where I began receiving antibiotics. I'll get antibiotics for another two weeks making three weeks in all. They had to do another surgery to remove my catheter. Seems once infection attaches itself to plastic there's practically nothing to do but remove it and maybe start over.
I'll bet I've seen 20 expert doctors maybe more and all but four surgeons say my catheter must be removed. Now they tell me it's unlikely to implant another which makes me stuck getting hemodialysis for the rest of my life.
I'm not in a very good mood
There is a very small chance that they can try again and they will decide within the next couple of days.
My life sucks and then it gets worse.
I just thought I'd cheer you up with the good news.

Damn, I'm sorry Lanny. Glad to have you back though.

 

[crandc]

Fuck. Can you eat cookies? Kind of hard to send chicken soup. Lucia and I send love.

 

[Lanny]

I am sorry to hear. That sounds utterly deflating mentally. You must have a very strong will to come on here and talk with us troglodytes. I am sending you my best thoughts. And hope to hear some updates whenever you have the energy for it. Keep being a badass.

I find support in you guys, the way you find support in your siblings
One of the greatest joys is that when the chips are down the politics fades away.

 

[Lanny]

Fuck. Can you eat cookies? Kind of hard to send chicken soup. Lucia and I send love.

I'll take the love any day of the week and twice on Sundays.

 

[Chris Craig]

Damn Lanny. Stop scaring us. It's not even October yet. Glad your ok. You have been through so much. Your a strong son of a...well you get it. Hope you can get your catheter figured out in the future after you get over your infection.

I've only had a catheter once. Not a fun experience. On the way out they cut my urethra. Could piss anything but blood for a day.

 

[tlongII]

Sorry about that Lanny. Catheter infections are a risk for men with extremely large penises.

 

[Lanny]

Damn Lanny. Stop scaring us. It's not even October yet. Glad your ok. You have been through so much. Your a strong son of a...well you get it. Hope you can get your catheter figured out in the future after you get over your infection.

I've only had a catheter once. Not a fun experience. On the way out they cut my urethra. Could piss anything but blood for a day.

There are all kinds of catheters, I've had two in my chest and three in my neck and now one in the belly.

 

[Chris Craig]

There are all kinds of catheters, I've had two in my chest and three in my neck and now one in the belly.

You're a warrior

 

[Lanny]

You're a warrior

It's easy to be a warrior when you consider the alternative.

 

[riverman]

Ride the storm Lanny....hope you have a full recovery and all goes well..sorry for your setback

 

[UncleCliffy'sDaddy]

Sorry to hear about the complications Lanny. My wife’s sister went through virtually the exact same thing in the past two years. She was actually able to do a few dialysis treatments from home before infection created problems. Apparently she is no longer a candidate for the catheter either. It is very deflating and I’m sorry you have to go through it. Hang in there and soon enough I’ll piss you off to the point that you’ll forget all about it. How long the forgetting will last will be determined on how badly I piss you off. Just say the word!

 

[SlyPokerDog]

My brand new catheter got royally infected. Thought I was going to die but pulled through. The whole time I wasn't allowed to see my wife. So she wasn't allowed to even deliver me any food. All I had was the telephone. I had to go through a temper tantrum to get out today.
They had to cut my dialysis short and send me to the Emergency Room. After six hours there and multiple blood tests and maybe a dozen doctors and an MRI they sent me up to an isolated hospital room where I began receiving antibiotics. I'll get antibiotics for another two weeks making three weeks in all. They had to do another surgery to remove my catheter. Seems once infection attaches itself to plastic there's practically nothing to do but remove it and maybe start over.
I'll bet I've seen 20 expert doctors maybe more and all but four surgeons say my catheter must be removed. Now they tell me it's unlikely to implant another which makes me stuck getting hemodialysis for the rest of my life.
I'm not in a very good mood
There is a very small chance that they can try again and they will decide within the next couple of days.
My life sucks and then it gets worse.
I just thought I'd cheer you up with the good news.

I'm so sorry Lanny. That sucks.

 

[SlyPokerCat]

I'll take the love any day of the week and twice on Sundays.

Twice on Sundays?!? You rascal. I can't even do it twice on Sundays anymore.

 

[SlyPokerCat]

Get well soon Lanny.

 

[calvin natt]

Take care. You do stay pretty unbelievably upbeat despite all the challenges. Keep it up.

 

[Lanny]

Sorry to hear about the complications Lanny. My wife’s sister went through virtually the exact same thing in the past two years. She was actually able to do a few dialysis treatments from home before infection created problems. Apparently she is no longer a candidate for the catheter either. It is very deflating and I’m sorry you have to go through it. Hang in there and soon enough I’ll piss you off to the point that you’ll forget all about it. How long the forgetting will last will be determined on how badly I piss you off. Just say the word!

This thing with my health overwhelms any so called pissing off by anyone else. Piss away just so long as you support me in my hour of need which I know you do. The rest is small potatoes.

 

[Lanny]

Take care. You do stay pretty unbelievably upbeat despite all the challenges. Keep it up.

The choice is upbeat or downbeat and what good does it do to be downbeat?

 

[riverman]

Well I'm back from the hospital and will have to have a 5th heart procedure done to correct an atrial flutter...not as serious as before but still requires a delicate surgery...thought I was over these but apparently not...not sure when I'll have it but they put in for it today with the VA....maybe as soon as a week from now..I can't tell at all that it's irregular but apparently it is...different from Afib which is scary shit...heart pounding like fireworks in your chest all day and night...this is more mild so hope it fixes the ticker once and for all

 

[Chris Craig]

Hang in there riverman. Thanks for the update. I hope this surgery is the last one you will have to get. Thoughts are with you. Sending good vibes your way.

 

[Lanny]

Well I'm back from the hospital and will have to have a 5th heart procedure done to correct an atrial flutter...not as serious as before but still requires a delicate surgery...thought I was over these but apparently not...not sure when I'll have it but they put in for it today with the VA....maybe as soon as a week from now..I can't tell at all that it's irregular but apparently it is...different from Afib which is scary shit...heart pounding like fireworks in your chest all day and night...this is more mild so hope it fixes the ticker once and for all

I had two AFibs corrected, one by two ablation operations and the other by medication. Can't they do that with you?

 

[Phatguysrule]

Well I'm back from the hospital and will have to have a 5th heart procedure done to correct an atrial flutter...not as serious as before but still requires a delicate surgery...thought I was over these but apparently not...not sure when I'll have it but they put in for it today with the VA....maybe as soon as a week from now..I can't tell at all that it's irregular but apparently it is...different from Afib which is scary shit...heart pounding like fireworks in your chest all day and night...this is more mild so hope it fixes the ticker once and for all

Dang you guys. Getting old sucks!

Yet, I can't help but hope I do it for as long as possible...

 

[Lanny]

Dang you guys. Getting old sucks!

Yet, I can't help but hope I do it for as long as possible...

Getting old ain't for wimps.

 

[stampedehero]

Lanny, I am so sorry you have to deal with this crap. Being stuck in this mess sucks.

 

[riverman]

I had two AFibs corrected, one by two ablation operations and the other by medication. Can't they do that with you?

I had 3 cardioversions and one cario ablation...this will be a second cardio ablation...only quicker than the last because they only enter one chamber of the heart and don't have to map it to zap the neurons that are misfiring....sucks but it is what it is...they changed one of my meds as well...I've been at this for several years Lanny...I just want it over with

 

[UncleCliffy'sDaddy]

Well I'm back from the hospital and will have to have a 5th heart procedure done to correct an atrial flutter...not as serious as before but still requires a delicate surgery...thought I was over these but apparently not...not sure when I'll have it but they put in for it today with the VA....maybe as soon as a week from now..I can't tell at all that it's irregular but apparently it is...different from Afib which is scary shit...heart pounding like fireworks in your chest all day and night...this is more mild so hope it fixes the ticker once and for all

Damn dude, sorry to hear that. Though based on my own experiences, I’m kinda surprised they’re going to try and “fix” the flutter. I didn’t know that was even a “thing” (unless you’re talking another ablation). Have they tried anti arrhythmia meds? I went through pretty much the same AFib crap as you and Lanny, and while the various procedures and meds worked for awhile, the AFib always came roaring back at least as bad (I’ve always known when I was in AFib because mine had an ego all it’s own. My doctor’s referred to it as “red alert” AFib). And the flutter became more noticeable. Since they ablated the Sinus Node into submission, I am 100% pacemaker driven and feel better than I have in a long time. Still some occasionally noticeable angry electrical gremlins in the upper chamber but they’re getting fewer and farther in between. Has your cardiologist put that forth as an option? I asked my electrophysiologist about it early on and he said that that was court of last resort, that we had to jump through all the other options first. Personally I wish we had started their first. But keep it in mind if it is an option. Like I said, I’m feeling much better and have shed at least 3 very nasty medications. Something to think about. But hang in there….and don’t be afraid to ask every question that pops into your mind. The only downside to a pacemaker is if someone sets off an EMP device. Then we won’t even have time to bend over and kiss our asses goodbye. Be your own best advocate. It’s YOUR heart, not theirs…….hey, do you think we can blame it on the Blue Ridge….and file a class action suit (green font)? But between AFib, flutter and PVC’s my heart used to dance better than Fred Astaire….and it finally seems to be at peace…….

 

[riverman]

Damn dude, sorry to hear that. Though based on my own experiences, I’m kinda surprised they’re going to try and “fix” the flutter. I didn’t know that was even a “thing” (unless you’re talking another ablation). Have they tried anti arrhythmia meds? I went through pretty much the same AFib crap as you and Lanny, and while the various procedures and meds worked for awhile, the AFib always came roaring back at least as bad (I’ve always known when I was in AFib because mine had an ego all it’s own. My doctor’s referred to it as “red alert” AFib). And the flutter became more noticeable. Since they ablated the Sinus Node into submission, I am 100% pacemaker driven and feel better than I have in a long time. Still some occasionally noticeable angry electrical gremlins in the upper chamber but they’re getting fewer and farther in between. Has your cardiologist put that forth as an option? I asked my electrophysiologist about it early on and he said that that was court of last resort, that we had to jump through all the other options first. Personally I wish we had started their first. But keep it in mind if it is an option. Like I said, I’m feeling much better and have shed at least 3 very nasty medications. Something to think about. But hang in there….and don’t be afraid to ask every question that pops into your mind. The only downside to a pacemaker is if someone sets off an EMP device. Then we won’t even have time to bend over and kiss our asses goodbye. Be your own best advocate. It’s YOUR heart, not theirs…….hey, do you think we can blame it on the Blue Ridge….and file a class action suit (green font)? But between AFib, flutter and PVC’s my heart used to dance better than Fred Astaire….and it finally seems to be at peace…….

I went in thinking I could shed some meds...the Sotalol I've been taking for years is the one I want to dump...it makes you easily fatigued, sensitive to sunlight and heat...dulls the labido...I've thought about a pacemaker but my doc says to try switching from the beta blocker Sotalol to another med without the side affects....I'm really sick of dealing with it but I'll get the ablation they recommend and see if it helps...I have been pretty free of the pounding AFib I had for years....this flutter I don't even notice during the day but I think the blood thinners they have me on are causing me to bruise way to easily....I told them I have buried PTSD as my only allergy "stress" is my answer....I can definitely put that on the Blue Ridge Nam tour...it's all in my medical records now. I've had a good year otherwise...way better than I was a few years ago..can get around much better and handle heavier chores like splitting wood or lawn mowing, etc..it's another ablation....I could opt for meds to correct it over time but the heart doc said this ablation is much easier than the last one as they know right where the problem is and don't need to map it and only need to enter one chamber of the heart instead of the whole shebang

 

[UncleCliffy'sDaddy]

I went in thinking I could shed some meds...the Sotalol I've been taking for years is the one I want to dump...it makes you easily fatigued, sensitive to sunlight and heat...kills the labido...I've thought about a pacemaker but my doc says to try switching from the beta blocker Sotalol to another med without the side affects....I'm really sick of dealing with it but I'll get the ablation they recommend and see if it helps...I have been pretty free of the pounding AFib I had for years....this flutter I don't even notice during the day but I think the blood thinners they have me on are causing me to bruise way to easily....I told them I have buried PTSD as my only allergy "stress" is my answer....I can definitely put that on the Blue Ridge Nam tour...it's all in my medical records now. I've had a good year otherwise...way better than I was a few years ago..can get around much better and handle heavier chores like splitting wood or lawn mowing, etc..

I was on sotalol for 7-8 years and it worked well for awhile for the first 6 years or so (though the 3 day “loading” period in the hospital were 3 of the most boring days of my life. But my nurses were extremely cute). Eventually I went on amiodarone and it worked great…..for about a year. And yes, my libido has had an interest spike since I went off all that shit. But it sounds like your doc is taking a cautious approach….and that’s a good thing. But yeah, as they seem to get control of the actual AFib, the flutter seemed to increase….and led to some extremely uncomfortable episodes. Glad they’ve “moved to the next county over”….or that’s the way it feels anyway. I was hoping to get off the blood thinner (Eliquis) but unfortunately that is a lifetime thing…..along with the unconscionable cost (even with decent insurance). But it beats having to deal with Coumadin (rat poison) and run the risk of bleeding to death……so get used to staying on them…..and sporting mottled skin when you get clumsy. Ain’t this bullshit a blast????